Cozumel with Kids
Whether you have a whole week or just a day in port on a cruise, Cozumel is a popular option with tons of excursions, tours, and activities to choose from. Our family has been here several times and done a little bit of everything: jeep off-roading, cenotes, island hopping, and lots of snorkeling!
After traveling to 30+ countries together as a family, we are often asked to compare destinations and adventures. Cozumel snorkeling stands out due to its crystal-clear waters, exceptional visibility, and location along the Mesoamerican Reef—the second-largest reef system in the world—offering rich marine biodiversity. Many top snorkeling spots are easily accessible from the shore, with calm, warm waters ideal for all experience levels.
Here are our recommendations for experiencing all of this with kids:
Choosing the Right Tour: Longer and More Expensive Isn’t Always Better
While longer snorkeling tours might seem appealing, opting for a shorter excursion can offer several benefits. First, consider the amount of time you are actually in the water when comparing prices and tour lengths. We booked a VERY reasonable 2 hour tour through Safe Tours Cozumel. The longer tours we’ve done in Cozumel in the past mostly just translated to farther out and more time in the boat. During our shorter tour, we still managed three stops, were in the water for most of our tour, and the second stop in particular was just as beautiful as the more expensive, longer tour stops. We saw a sea turtle, stingray, lobster, flounder, parrot fish, angel fish, trumpet fish and a ton of different types of coral!
Another reason to consider a shorter tour closer to shore: the past two times we’ve visited Cozumel the main snorkel circuit that includes El Cielo has been closed due to winds, currents, etc. so there may be a last-minute cancellation of this. Especially if you have younger kids or are new to snorkeling, our tour Snorkeling by VIP Glass Bottom Boat “Cubana” was the better bet. Additionally, the money you save on the shorter tour can be used for beach time at a resort or a Jeep combo tour before or after! Safe Tours Cozumel can arrange both of these add-ons. There were also spots along our walk that would have been great to snorkel from shore, especially if you had water shoes.
Timing Your Visit: Low Crowds Matter
If you are staying on the island versus coming in on a cruise, ask your tour operator what day of the week is best for excursions to steer clear of the cruise crowds. Arturo, the owner of our tour company, had great advice and communication on planning logistics like this. The piers are often more expensive, so head into San Miguel for shopping.
Cruise Terminals: Know Which Port Your Ship Will Dock In
There are multiple cruise ports in Cozumel, so make sure you are aware of which one you are at. Taxis and Ubers are plentiful if you need to get between them. We opted to walk since our tour left out of the International Port (3 miles from our port- Punta Langosta). There were safe sidewalks along the water, and it provided a good workout for us (although flip-flops weren’t the best choice for 6 miles!). The kids used the money we saved on transportation to buy special, super-overpriced drinks back on the ship It’s not bribery, it’s motivation!
Additional things to note:
- Most tours will ask you to use biodegradable sunscreen and apply it before you check in for your tour.
- Wear your swimsuit under your clothes – It saves time when you arrive, so you can jump right into the fun without needing to change.
- Start your day early if you want to beat the crowds and the heat by getting off the ship as soon as it docks.
- Download offline maps – Cell service may be limited, so having a map handy can help you navigate without Wi-Fi.
- Shop smart – Local markets are great for souvenirs, but don’t be afraid to politely bargain for a better price.
- Watch the time zone – Sometimes ship time differs from local time, so always go by your ship’s clock to avoid missing departure.
**This post contains affiliate links. We are grateful for the opportunity to be hosted by Safe Tours Cozumel. All opinions are our own.
To see all our travel adventures during a year-long trip around the world, head over to our Instagram page.
If you have questions or tips for a trip to Cozumel with kids, let us know! Happy Travels!
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